CA2164493A1 - Device for securing equipment against theft - Google Patents
Device for securing equipment against theftInfo
- Publication number
- CA2164493A1 CA2164493A1 CA002164493A CA2164493A CA2164493A1 CA 2164493 A1 CA2164493 A1 CA 2164493A1 CA 002164493 A CA002164493 A CA 002164493A CA 2164493 A CA2164493 A CA 2164493A CA 2164493 A1 CA2164493 A1 CA 2164493A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- aperture
- elongated member
- coupler
- equipment
- anchor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
- E05B73/0005—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices using chains, cables or the like
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B67/00—Padlocks; Details thereof
- E05B67/36—Padlocks with closing means other than shackles ; Removable locks, the lock body itself being the locking element; Padlocks consisting of two separable halves or cooperating with a stud
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B67/00—Padlocks; Details thereof
- E05B67/38—Auxiliary or protective devices
- E05B67/383—Staples or the like for padlocks; Lock slings; Arrangements on locks to cooperate with padlocks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
- E05B73/0082—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
Abstract
A device for securing equipment against theft has a fastener for attaching the device to the equipment, an anchor for attachment to a cumbersome object, and a coupler for flexibly coupling the fastener to the anchor. The shape of the fastener is unimportant except that it must attach securely to the equipment and it must provide for a suitably rigid connection to the coupler. The coupler is a substantially planar solid body defining an aperture passing through the plane. The coupler attaches to the fastener such that the plane defined by the coupler is oblique to the plane defined by an adjacent surface of the equipment. The anchor is an elongated member having a fixed end for attachment to the cumbersome object and a free end defining a radial passage. The cross-section of the anchor is small with respect to at least one diameter of the coupler aperture and is adapted such that the free end of the anchor passes through the coupler aperture. A lock having a shackle adapted to pass through the passage in the free end of the anchor and through the aperture in the coupler secures the coupler to the anchor.
Description
~164493 Device for Securing Equipment Against Theft by Rainer Schmoll and Ralph Holt Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for securing equipment against theft. More particularly, it is directed to a device to secure office equipment or consumer electronics products to furniture, floors 10 and walls.
Ba~ round Office equipment and consumer electronics products are favoured by owners and thieves alike because they present a high value in a small package. The owner appreciates both the capability and the 15 portability of this package. The thief is attracted mainly to the portability. Many solutions have been proposed to limit this portability, or preferably, to encumber potential thieves but not the owner.
These solutions have been llns~tisf~ctory.
The favoured method of reducing equipment portability has been to secure the equipment to a nearby 20 cumbersome object, such as a desk or a building. One can envision that any device for implementing this method comprises three co-operating components. The first component secures the device to the equipment (hereinafter the "fastener"). The second component secures the device to the cumbersome Pagel of 19 216~93 object (hereinafter the "anchor"). The third component secures the fastener to the anchor (hereinafter the "coupler").
An early solution was to open up the chassis of a piece of equipment and to drive large bolts through 5 the chassis and into a nearby cumbersome object. The bolt heads fastened to the equipment. The bolt threads anchored to the cumbersome object. And the bolt shanks coupled the heads to the threads. If the chassis or the bolt heads were considered weak on their own, a reinforcing plate might be inserted into the chassis to accept the bolts and distribute force over a surface area larger than the bolt heads.
10 This solution had a number of disadvantages all relating to flexibility. First, the method could only be used where a suitable chassis was suitably adjacent to a suitably cumbersome object such that straight bolts could be passed through both chassis and object. Second, because the connection between the bolt shank, head, and threads was rigid, the equipment could not be shifted once secured. Third, because it took a fair amount of effort to secure the equipment, it was not reasonable to secure and 15 unsecure the equipment at whim. In general, this solution was clumsy to implement and significantly tliminished the portability aspect of the owner's enjoyment.
A second solution aimed to increase flexibility for the owner. The flexibility problems in the previous solution arose because the fastener, the coupler and the anchor were all rigid members rigidly 20 interconnected. The second solution replaced at least one of the fastener, the coupler and the anchor with a flexible counterpart. A typical embodiment of the second solution comprised a first rigid lug solidly fastened to the equipment chassis, a second rigid lug solidly anchored to the cumbersome object, and a flexible chain or cable that coupled the fastener to the anchor. In one variation, the cable Page20f 19 ~l6~q93 wrapped directly around either the equipment (thereby functioning as both fastener and coupler) or the cumbersome object (thereby functioning as both anchor and coupler). In a second variation, the cable was attached to either the fastener, the anchor, or a portion of itself by a lock thereby permitting the owner to quickly decouple the equipment from the cumbersome object by releasing the lock.
This second solution also had certain disadvantages. Although it solved all three of the flexibility problems inherent in the first solution, it introduced security problems. First, because an appropriate rigid component will generally be sturdier than a flexible one, a thief might find it easier to snip a cable or a chain than to snap a bolt. Second, a flexible coupler with sufficient travel could permit a 10 thief to shift the equipment into a more convenient position for stealing.
What is needed is a third solution that provides some of the rigidity of the first solution and some of the flexibility of the second solution. The present invention is directed to such a device. As in the first solution, the present invention uses a rigid fastener, a rigid anchor, and a rigid coupler; however, 15 unlike the first solution, the connection between at least two of these components is flexible.
Summary According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a device for securing equipment against theft, comprising: means for fastening the device to the equipment, an elongated member having a 20 fixed end for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object and a free end defining a radial passage, a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably Page3 of 19 ~164493 engage the elongated member, and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member. The oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment might be 45 degrees. The elongated member might have a circular 5 cross-section. The aperture might be an ellipse and might have a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member and a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for securing equipment to an 10 elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object and a free end defining a radial passage and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member, comprising: means for fastening the device to the equipment, and a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with 15 respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage both the elongated member and the shackle of the lock. The oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment might be 45 degrees. The elongated member might have a circular cross-section. The aperture might be an ellipse and might have a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member and a major axis substantially 20 equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
Page4 of 19 216g493 According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for securing equipment against theft, comprising: means for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object, an elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring the device to the equipment and a free end defining a radial passage, a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture 5 having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member. The oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the 10 adjacent surface of the equipment might be 45 degrees. The elongated member might have a circular cross-section. The aperture might be an ellipse and might have a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member and a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
15 According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for securing equipment to an elongated member having a fixed end for fastening to the device and a free end defining a radial passage and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member, comprising: means for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object, and a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal 20 that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage both the elongated member and the shackle of the lock. The oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment might be 45 degrees. The elongated PageS of 19 216~193 member might have a circular cross-section. The aperture might be an ellipse and might have a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member and a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for securing equipment against theft, comprising: anchoring an elongated member to a cumbersome object, the elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring and a free end defining a radial passage, coupling to the elongated member a coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an 10 adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, fastening the coupler to the equipment, and locking a shackle through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member. A cable associated with a second piece of equipment might 15 also be passed through the shackle prior to locking.
Brief Description of the Drawin~
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings 20 where:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a device embodying a first aspect of the present invention, shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a horizontal cumbersome object located below the equipment;
Page6 of 19 ~16~g9~
Figure 2 is a top view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a rear view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a side view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is an isometric detail view of the device of Figure 1;
5 Figure 6 is a side detail view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a top detail view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a rear detail view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is a side view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 in isolation;
Figure 10 is a rear view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 in isolation;
10 Figure 11 is a top view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 in isolation;
Figure 12 is a view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 in isolation looking along a normal "N"
to the plane defined by the coupler's oblique top surface;
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 along the line A-A
illustrating the range of relative rotation between the coupler and the anchor;
15 Figure 14 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 1 shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located behind the equipment;Figure 15 is an isometric detail view of the device of Figure 14;Figure 16 is an isometric view of a device embodying a second aspect of the present invention, shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located behind the equipment;
Figure 17 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 16 shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located beside the equipment;
Page70f 19 2164~93 Figure 18 is an isometric view of a device embodying a third aspect of the present invention, shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a horizontal cumbersome object located beneath the equipment;
Figure 19 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 18 shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located beside the equipment;
Figure 20 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 18 shown installed to secure a vertical piece of equipment to a horizontal cumbersome object located beneath the equipment;
Figure 21 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 18 shown installed to secure a vertical piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located beside the equipment; and 10 Figure 22 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 20 installed to secure both a vertical piece of equipment and a second peripheral piece of equipment.
Description With reference now to Figures 1 through 8, a theft prevention device embodying a first aspect of the 15 invention is generally illustrated at 100 connected to a piece of equipment 50 (not part of the invention). The device 100 includes a fastener 110 attached to the equipment 50, and an elongated anchor 120 having both a fixed end 122 for attachment to a cumbersome object (not shown and not part of the invention) and a free end 124 characterized by a radial passage (not shown). A coupler 130 is rigidly attached to the fastener 110. The coupler 130 defines an aperture 134 (as described 20 hereinbelow with reference to Figures 9 through 12) through which it slideably engages the anchor 120 between its fixed end 122 and its free end 124. The shackle of a lock 140 passes through both the radial passage in the free end 124 of the anchor 120 and the aperture 134 in the coupler 130 thereby preventing the coupler 130 from diseng~ging from the anchor 120.
Page8 of 19 21fi~93 The fastener 110 is preferably made of a strong, rigid material such as case hardened steel and may be attached to the equipment 50 in many well know ways. For example, the fastener 110 may be bolted, bonded or welded to the equipment 50. The fastener 110 may be manufactured as an integral part of 5 the equipment 50. The fastener 110 may be m~nuf~ctured to lock into a port, expansion slot or other such interface of the equipment 50 chassis. The actual shape of the fastener 110 is unimportant except that the fastener 110 must attach securely to the equipment S0 and it must provide a suitably rigid foundation for the coupler 130.
10 The anchor 120 may be attached to a cumbersome object (not shown) such as a desk or a building floor or wall in many well known ways. For example, the anchor 120 may use: a set of wood threads to engage a wooden floor joist or wall stud, a standard masonry anchor assembly to engage a concrete floor or wall, or a set of machine threads in conjunction with lock nuts to engage a desk. The anchor 120 might also be cast directly into a concrete structure. The anchor 120 is preferably made of a 15 strong, rigid material such as case hardened steel and may have an ~billd~ y cross-section, although a smooth cross-section is preferred because it facilitates free movement between the anchor 120 and the coupler 130 as will be further discussed below with reference to Figure 13.
The rigid coupler 130 is shaped to cooperate with the rigid fastener 110 and the rigid anchor 120 to 20 produce a constrained flexible coupling. With reference to Figures 9 through 12, the coupler 130 is characterized as a substantially planar solid body defining a bevelled edge 132 and an aperture 134 passing through the plane. The coupler 130 is preferably made of a strong, rigid material such as case hardened steel.
Page90f 19 ~16~49 ~
The aperture 134 is adapted to receive the anchor 120 via its free end 124. To promote translational and rotational movement between the anchor 120 and the coupler 130, the aperture 134 is made larger than the cross-section of the anchor 120. Preferably, the aperture 134 is ellipsoidal when viewed 5 along the planar normal "N" wherein the major axis of the aperture 134 is large with respect to the cross-section of the anchor 120 More preferably, the aperture 134 is an ellipse having a minor axis slightly greater than "d" and a major axis approxim~ting "t + sqrt(2) d" where "d" is the diameter of the circular cross-section anchor 10 120 and "t" is the thickness of the aperture 134. The degree of rotational movement between the anchor 120 and the coupler 130 can be appreciated with reference to Figure 13. It will be noted that in this embodiment the first limiting anchor position 120a and the second limiting anchor position 120c define between them an angle of 90 degrees. Any intermediate anchor position 120b can be selected as well; however, when the anchor 120 is in an intermediate position 120b, the shackle of the lock 140 15 will be able to pass through both the aperture 134 and the radial passage in the anchor's 120 free end 124 only if the aperture 134 is larger than "t + sqrt(2) d".
It should be recognized that rotational freedom is achieved at the expense of component strength and therefore presents a trade-off. A larger aperture 134 yields both greater rotational freedom and a 20 weaker coupler 130. An anchor 120 with a smaller cross-section is weaker but yields greater rotational l`reedom.
PagelOof 19 216~493 The bevelled edge 132 of the coupler 130 provides a suitable surface for attachment to the fastener 110 such that the plane defined by the coupler 130 forrns an oblique angle with the plane defined by an adjacent surface of the equipment 50. The oblique angle is selected so as to constrain the relative rotation between the coupler 130 and the anchor 120 to a useful range. Preferably, the oblique angle is 5 set to 45 degrees as depicted in Figures 1 through 8 and Figures 14 through 15 thereby permitting the device 100 to be anchored to a vertical cumbersome object behind the equipment, a horizontal cumbersome object below the equipment, or a cumbersome object lying somewhere in between.
The coupler 130 can be attached to the fastener 110 in many well known ways. For example, the two 10 components can be welded, bonded or bolted together. The coupler 130 and the fastener 110 might also bc portions of an integrated whole.
With reference now to Figures 16 through 17, a theft prevention device embodying a second aspect of the invention is generally illustrated at 100' connected to a piece of equipment 50' (not part of the 15 invention). The device 100' includes a fastener 110' attached to the equipment 50', and an elongated anchor 120' having both a fixed end 122' for attachment to a cumbersome object (not shown and not part of the invention) and a free end 124' characterized by a radial passage (not shown). A coupler 130' is rigidly attached to the fastener 110'. The coupler 130' defines an aperture (not marked) through which it slideably engages the anchor 120' between its fixed end 122' and its free end 124'. The 20 shackle of a lock 140' passes through both the radial passage in the free end 124' of the anchor 120' and the aperture 134' of the coupler 130' thereby preventing the coupler 130' from diseng~ging from the anchor 120'.
Pagel I of 19 ~164493 It may be noted that the only difference between the first and second embodiments is that the coupler 130' has been rotated 90 degrees with respect to the coupler 130. This rotation permits the anchor 120' to engage a vertical cumbersome object behind the equipment 50', a vertical cumbersome object beside the equipment 50', or a cumbersome object lying somewhere in between.
s With reference now to Figures 18 through 21, a theft prevention device embodying a third aspect of ~he invention is generally illustrated at 100" connected to a piece of equipment 50" (not part of the invention). The device 100" includes a fastener 110" attached to the equipment 50", and an elongated anchor 120" having both a fixed end 122" for attachment to a cumbersome object (not shown and not 10 part of the invention) and a free end 124" characterized by a radial passage (not shown). A coupler 130" is rigidly attached to the fastener 110". The coupler 130 defines an aperture (not marked) through which it slideably engages the anchor 120" between its fixed end 122" and its free end 124".
The shackle of a lock 140" passes through both the radial passage in the free end 124" of the anchor 120" and the aperture 134" of the coupler 130" thereby preventing the coupler 130" from diseng~ging 15 from the anchor 120".
It may be noted that the only difference between the first and third embodiments is that the coupler 130" has been rotated 45 degrees on each of two axes with respect to the coupler 130. It should be noted that this third embodiment coupler 130" has no equivalent to the bevelled edge 132 found on the 20 first embodiment coupler 130. This rotation permits the anchor 120" to engage a vertical cumbersome object beside the equipment 50", a horizontal cumbersome object beneath the equipment 50", or a cumbersome object lying somewhere in between. More importantly, this coupler 120" arrangement Pagel2 of 19 ~16449~
permits the user to switch the equipment 50" between desktop (horizontal) and tower (vertical) configuration as is common practice for computer equipment.
With reference finally to Figure 22, a cable 60" (not part of the invention) such as an expensive S peripheral data cable, is illustrated passing through the shackle of the lock 140". In this manner, the device 100" can simultaneously secure more than one piece of equipment.
In operation, the user attaches the fastener 110 to the equipment 50. He then secures the fixed end 122 of the anchor 120 into a nearby cumbersome object in such a way that the free end 124 of the anchor 10 120 is aligned with the aperture 134 of the coupler 130 rigidly attached to the fastener 110. The equipment 50 is moved into place such that the aperture 134 accepts the free end 124 of the anchor 120. The shackle of the lock 140 is then passed through both the radial passage in the free end 124 of the anchor 120 and the aperture 134 of the coupler 130. Once closed, the lock 140 resists both the coupler 130 being disengaged from the anchor 120 and the anchor 120 being unscrewed from the 15 cumbersome object. If a nearby second piece of equipment having an expensive data cable 60" also requires protection, that cable 60" can be passed through the lock 140 shackle prior to closing to provide some degree of protection.
Although a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, the 20 present invention is not limited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope of the claims.
Pagel3 of 19 ~164~93 The oblique planar coupler 130, 130', 130" has been used to illustrate the geometries of this coupling as simply as possible; however, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that couplers having different shapes may still facilitate this coupling geometry. There are three keys factors that produce this constrained flexible coupling geometry. The first factor is that the normal of the aperture 134 be 5 oblique to an adjacent equipment surface. For this purpose, "adjacent surface" does not have its more restricted meaning of "abutting surface" but has its more general meaning of "neighbouring surface".
The second factor is that the major diameter of the aperture 134 is large with respect to the thickness ofthe aperture 134. The third factor is that the major diameter ofthe aperture 134 is large with respect to the major diameter of the cross-section of the anchor 120.
10 It is anticipated that the connection between the fastener 110 and the coupler 130 could be hinged or otherwise rotateably coupled instead of fixed thereby providing fu~ther flexibility at the expense of reduced security.
It is also anticipated that in some situations it would be better for the fastener 110 to resemble the 15 anchor 120 and the anchor 120 to resemble the fastener 110.
It is anticipated that the components 110, 120, 130 and the lock 140 could be made of a number of alternative rigid materials. The components 110, 120, 130 could be made from hardened stainless steel or titanium. The lock 140 could be a cobalt lock.
It is further anticipated that this arrangement could be used to secure objects other than office equipment and consumer electronics products.
Pagel40f 19
Ba~ round Office equipment and consumer electronics products are favoured by owners and thieves alike because they present a high value in a small package. The owner appreciates both the capability and the 15 portability of this package. The thief is attracted mainly to the portability. Many solutions have been proposed to limit this portability, or preferably, to encumber potential thieves but not the owner.
These solutions have been llns~tisf~ctory.
The favoured method of reducing equipment portability has been to secure the equipment to a nearby 20 cumbersome object, such as a desk or a building. One can envision that any device for implementing this method comprises three co-operating components. The first component secures the device to the equipment (hereinafter the "fastener"). The second component secures the device to the cumbersome Pagel of 19 216~93 object (hereinafter the "anchor"). The third component secures the fastener to the anchor (hereinafter the "coupler").
An early solution was to open up the chassis of a piece of equipment and to drive large bolts through 5 the chassis and into a nearby cumbersome object. The bolt heads fastened to the equipment. The bolt threads anchored to the cumbersome object. And the bolt shanks coupled the heads to the threads. If the chassis or the bolt heads were considered weak on their own, a reinforcing plate might be inserted into the chassis to accept the bolts and distribute force over a surface area larger than the bolt heads.
10 This solution had a number of disadvantages all relating to flexibility. First, the method could only be used where a suitable chassis was suitably adjacent to a suitably cumbersome object such that straight bolts could be passed through both chassis and object. Second, because the connection between the bolt shank, head, and threads was rigid, the equipment could not be shifted once secured. Third, because it took a fair amount of effort to secure the equipment, it was not reasonable to secure and 15 unsecure the equipment at whim. In general, this solution was clumsy to implement and significantly tliminished the portability aspect of the owner's enjoyment.
A second solution aimed to increase flexibility for the owner. The flexibility problems in the previous solution arose because the fastener, the coupler and the anchor were all rigid members rigidly 20 interconnected. The second solution replaced at least one of the fastener, the coupler and the anchor with a flexible counterpart. A typical embodiment of the second solution comprised a first rigid lug solidly fastened to the equipment chassis, a second rigid lug solidly anchored to the cumbersome object, and a flexible chain or cable that coupled the fastener to the anchor. In one variation, the cable Page20f 19 ~l6~q93 wrapped directly around either the equipment (thereby functioning as both fastener and coupler) or the cumbersome object (thereby functioning as both anchor and coupler). In a second variation, the cable was attached to either the fastener, the anchor, or a portion of itself by a lock thereby permitting the owner to quickly decouple the equipment from the cumbersome object by releasing the lock.
This second solution also had certain disadvantages. Although it solved all three of the flexibility problems inherent in the first solution, it introduced security problems. First, because an appropriate rigid component will generally be sturdier than a flexible one, a thief might find it easier to snip a cable or a chain than to snap a bolt. Second, a flexible coupler with sufficient travel could permit a 10 thief to shift the equipment into a more convenient position for stealing.
What is needed is a third solution that provides some of the rigidity of the first solution and some of the flexibility of the second solution. The present invention is directed to such a device. As in the first solution, the present invention uses a rigid fastener, a rigid anchor, and a rigid coupler; however, 15 unlike the first solution, the connection between at least two of these components is flexible.
Summary According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a device for securing equipment against theft, comprising: means for fastening the device to the equipment, an elongated member having a 20 fixed end for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object and a free end defining a radial passage, a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably Page3 of 19 ~164493 engage the elongated member, and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member. The oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment might be 45 degrees. The elongated member might have a circular 5 cross-section. The aperture might be an ellipse and might have a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member and a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for securing equipment to an 10 elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object and a free end defining a radial passage and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member, comprising: means for fastening the device to the equipment, and a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with 15 respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage both the elongated member and the shackle of the lock. The oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment might be 45 degrees. The elongated member might have a circular cross-section. The aperture might be an ellipse and might have a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member and a major axis substantially 20 equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
Page4 of 19 216g493 According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for securing equipment against theft, comprising: means for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object, an elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring the device to the equipment and a free end defining a radial passage, a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture 5 having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member. The oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the 10 adjacent surface of the equipment might be 45 degrees. The elongated member might have a circular cross-section. The aperture might be an ellipse and might have a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member and a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
15 According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for securing equipment to an elongated member having a fixed end for fastening to the device and a free end defining a radial passage and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member, comprising: means for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object, and a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal 20 that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage both the elongated member and the shackle of the lock. The oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment might be 45 degrees. The elongated PageS of 19 216~193 member might have a circular cross-section. The aperture might be an ellipse and might have a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member and a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for securing equipment against theft, comprising: anchoring an elongated member to a cumbersome object, the elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring and a free end defining a radial passage, coupling to the elongated member a coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an 10 adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, fastening the coupler to the equipment, and locking a shackle through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member. A cable associated with a second piece of equipment might 15 also be passed through the shackle prior to locking.
Brief Description of the Drawin~
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings 20 where:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a device embodying a first aspect of the present invention, shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a horizontal cumbersome object located below the equipment;
Page6 of 19 ~16~g9~
Figure 2 is a top view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a rear view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a side view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is an isometric detail view of the device of Figure 1;
5 Figure 6 is a side detail view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a top detail view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a rear detail view of the device of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is a side view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 in isolation;
Figure 10 is a rear view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 in isolation;
10 Figure 11 is a top view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 in isolation;
Figure 12 is a view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 in isolation looking along a normal "N"
to the plane defined by the coupler's oblique top surface;
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the coupler of the device of Figure 1 along the line A-A
illustrating the range of relative rotation between the coupler and the anchor;
15 Figure 14 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 1 shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located behind the equipment;Figure 15 is an isometric detail view of the device of Figure 14;Figure 16 is an isometric view of a device embodying a second aspect of the present invention, shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located behind the equipment;
Figure 17 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 16 shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located beside the equipment;
Page70f 19 2164~93 Figure 18 is an isometric view of a device embodying a third aspect of the present invention, shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a horizontal cumbersome object located beneath the equipment;
Figure 19 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 18 shown installed to secure a horizontal piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located beside the equipment;
Figure 20 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 18 shown installed to secure a vertical piece of equipment to a horizontal cumbersome object located beneath the equipment;
Figure 21 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 18 shown installed to secure a vertical piece of equipment to a vertical cumbersome object located beside the equipment; and 10 Figure 22 is an isometric view of the device of Figure 20 installed to secure both a vertical piece of equipment and a second peripheral piece of equipment.
Description With reference now to Figures 1 through 8, a theft prevention device embodying a first aspect of the 15 invention is generally illustrated at 100 connected to a piece of equipment 50 (not part of the invention). The device 100 includes a fastener 110 attached to the equipment 50, and an elongated anchor 120 having both a fixed end 122 for attachment to a cumbersome object (not shown and not part of the invention) and a free end 124 characterized by a radial passage (not shown). A coupler 130 is rigidly attached to the fastener 110. The coupler 130 defines an aperture 134 (as described 20 hereinbelow with reference to Figures 9 through 12) through which it slideably engages the anchor 120 between its fixed end 122 and its free end 124. The shackle of a lock 140 passes through both the radial passage in the free end 124 of the anchor 120 and the aperture 134 in the coupler 130 thereby preventing the coupler 130 from diseng~ging from the anchor 120.
Page8 of 19 21fi~93 The fastener 110 is preferably made of a strong, rigid material such as case hardened steel and may be attached to the equipment 50 in many well know ways. For example, the fastener 110 may be bolted, bonded or welded to the equipment 50. The fastener 110 may be manufactured as an integral part of 5 the equipment 50. The fastener 110 may be m~nuf~ctured to lock into a port, expansion slot or other such interface of the equipment 50 chassis. The actual shape of the fastener 110 is unimportant except that the fastener 110 must attach securely to the equipment S0 and it must provide a suitably rigid foundation for the coupler 130.
10 The anchor 120 may be attached to a cumbersome object (not shown) such as a desk or a building floor or wall in many well known ways. For example, the anchor 120 may use: a set of wood threads to engage a wooden floor joist or wall stud, a standard masonry anchor assembly to engage a concrete floor or wall, or a set of machine threads in conjunction with lock nuts to engage a desk. The anchor 120 might also be cast directly into a concrete structure. The anchor 120 is preferably made of a 15 strong, rigid material such as case hardened steel and may have an ~billd~ y cross-section, although a smooth cross-section is preferred because it facilitates free movement between the anchor 120 and the coupler 130 as will be further discussed below with reference to Figure 13.
The rigid coupler 130 is shaped to cooperate with the rigid fastener 110 and the rigid anchor 120 to 20 produce a constrained flexible coupling. With reference to Figures 9 through 12, the coupler 130 is characterized as a substantially planar solid body defining a bevelled edge 132 and an aperture 134 passing through the plane. The coupler 130 is preferably made of a strong, rigid material such as case hardened steel.
Page90f 19 ~16~49 ~
The aperture 134 is adapted to receive the anchor 120 via its free end 124. To promote translational and rotational movement between the anchor 120 and the coupler 130, the aperture 134 is made larger than the cross-section of the anchor 120. Preferably, the aperture 134 is ellipsoidal when viewed 5 along the planar normal "N" wherein the major axis of the aperture 134 is large with respect to the cross-section of the anchor 120 More preferably, the aperture 134 is an ellipse having a minor axis slightly greater than "d" and a major axis approxim~ting "t + sqrt(2) d" where "d" is the diameter of the circular cross-section anchor 10 120 and "t" is the thickness of the aperture 134. The degree of rotational movement between the anchor 120 and the coupler 130 can be appreciated with reference to Figure 13. It will be noted that in this embodiment the first limiting anchor position 120a and the second limiting anchor position 120c define between them an angle of 90 degrees. Any intermediate anchor position 120b can be selected as well; however, when the anchor 120 is in an intermediate position 120b, the shackle of the lock 140 15 will be able to pass through both the aperture 134 and the radial passage in the anchor's 120 free end 124 only if the aperture 134 is larger than "t + sqrt(2) d".
It should be recognized that rotational freedom is achieved at the expense of component strength and therefore presents a trade-off. A larger aperture 134 yields both greater rotational freedom and a 20 weaker coupler 130. An anchor 120 with a smaller cross-section is weaker but yields greater rotational l`reedom.
PagelOof 19 216~493 The bevelled edge 132 of the coupler 130 provides a suitable surface for attachment to the fastener 110 such that the plane defined by the coupler 130 forrns an oblique angle with the plane defined by an adjacent surface of the equipment 50. The oblique angle is selected so as to constrain the relative rotation between the coupler 130 and the anchor 120 to a useful range. Preferably, the oblique angle is 5 set to 45 degrees as depicted in Figures 1 through 8 and Figures 14 through 15 thereby permitting the device 100 to be anchored to a vertical cumbersome object behind the equipment, a horizontal cumbersome object below the equipment, or a cumbersome object lying somewhere in between.
The coupler 130 can be attached to the fastener 110 in many well known ways. For example, the two 10 components can be welded, bonded or bolted together. The coupler 130 and the fastener 110 might also bc portions of an integrated whole.
With reference now to Figures 16 through 17, a theft prevention device embodying a second aspect of the invention is generally illustrated at 100' connected to a piece of equipment 50' (not part of the 15 invention). The device 100' includes a fastener 110' attached to the equipment 50', and an elongated anchor 120' having both a fixed end 122' for attachment to a cumbersome object (not shown and not part of the invention) and a free end 124' characterized by a radial passage (not shown). A coupler 130' is rigidly attached to the fastener 110'. The coupler 130' defines an aperture (not marked) through which it slideably engages the anchor 120' between its fixed end 122' and its free end 124'. The 20 shackle of a lock 140' passes through both the radial passage in the free end 124' of the anchor 120' and the aperture 134' of the coupler 130' thereby preventing the coupler 130' from diseng~ging from the anchor 120'.
Pagel I of 19 ~164493 It may be noted that the only difference between the first and second embodiments is that the coupler 130' has been rotated 90 degrees with respect to the coupler 130. This rotation permits the anchor 120' to engage a vertical cumbersome object behind the equipment 50', a vertical cumbersome object beside the equipment 50', or a cumbersome object lying somewhere in between.
s With reference now to Figures 18 through 21, a theft prevention device embodying a third aspect of ~he invention is generally illustrated at 100" connected to a piece of equipment 50" (not part of the invention). The device 100" includes a fastener 110" attached to the equipment 50", and an elongated anchor 120" having both a fixed end 122" for attachment to a cumbersome object (not shown and not 10 part of the invention) and a free end 124" characterized by a radial passage (not shown). A coupler 130" is rigidly attached to the fastener 110". The coupler 130 defines an aperture (not marked) through which it slideably engages the anchor 120" between its fixed end 122" and its free end 124".
The shackle of a lock 140" passes through both the radial passage in the free end 124" of the anchor 120" and the aperture 134" of the coupler 130" thereby preventing the coupler 130" from diseng~ging 15 from the anchor 120".
It may be noted that the only difference between the first and third embodiments is that the coupler 130" has been rotated 45 degrees on each of two axes with respect to the coupler 130. It should be noted that this third embodiment coupler 130" has no equivalent to the bevelled edge 132 found on the 20 first embodiment coupler 130. This rotation permits the anchor 120" to engage a vertical cumbersome object beside the equipment 50", a horizontal cumbersome object beneath the equipment 50", or a cumbersome object lying somewhere in between. More importantly, this coupler 120" arrangement Pagel2 of 19 ~16449~
permits the user to switch the equipment 50" between desktop (horizontal) and tower (vertical) configuration as is common practice for computer equipment.
With reference finally to Figure 22, a cable 60" (not part of the invention) such as an expensive S peripheral data cable, is illustrated passing through the shackle of the lock 140". In this manner, the device 100" can simultaneously secure more than one piece of equipment.
In operation, the user attaches the fastener 110 to the equipment 50. He then secures the fixed end 122 of the anchor 120 into a nearby cumbersome object in such a way that the free end 124 of the anchor 10 120 is aligned with the aperture 134 of the coupler 130 rigidly attached to the fastener 110. The equipment 50 is moved into place such that the aperture 134 accepts the free end 124 of the anchor 120. The shackle of the lock 140 is then passed through both the radial passage in the free end 124 of the anchor 120 and the aperture 134 of the coupler 130. Once closed, the lock 140 resists both the coupler 130 being disengaged from the anchor 120 and the anchor 120 being unscrewed from the 15 cumbersome object. If a nearby second piece of equipment having an expensive data cable 60" also requires protection, that cable 60" can be passed through the lock 140 shackle prior to closing to provide some degree of protection.
Although a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, the 20 present invention is not limited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope of the claims.
Pagel3 of 19 ~164~93 The oblique planar coupler 130, 130', 130" has been used to illustrate the geometries of this coupling as simply as possible; however, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that couplers having different shapes may still facilitate this coupling geometry. There are three keys factors that produce this constrained flexible coupling geometry. The first factor is that the normal of the aperture 134 be 5 oblique to an adjacent equipment surface. For this purpose, "adjacent surface" does not have its more restricted meaning of "abutting surface" but has its more general meaning of "neighbouring surface".
The second factor is that the major diameter of the aperture 134 is large with respect to the thickness ofthe aperture 134. The third factor is that the major diameter ofthe aperture 134 is large with respect to the major diameter of the cross-section of the anchor 120.
10 It is anticipated that the connection between the fastener 110 and the coupler 130 could be hinged or otherwise rotateably coupled instead of fixed thereby providing fu~ther flexibility at the expense of reduced security.
It is also anticipated that in some situations it would be better for the fastener 110 to resemble the 15 anchor 120 and the anchor 120 to resemble the fastener 110.
It is anticipated that the components 110, 120, 130 and the lock 140 could be made of a number of alternative rigid materials. The components 110, 120, 130 could be made from hardened stainless steel or titanium. The lock 140 could be a cobalt lock.
It is further anticipated that this arrangement could be used to secure objects other than office equipment and consumer electronics products.
Pagel40f 19
Claims (26)
1. A device for securing equipment against theft, comprising:
(a) means for fastening the device to the equipment, (b) an elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object and a free end defining a radial passage, (c) a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, and (d) a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member.
(a) means for fastening the device to the equipment, (b) an elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object and a free end defining a radial passage, (c) a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, and (d) a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member.
2. A device as in Claim 1 wherein the oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment is 45 degrees.
3. A devices as in Claim 1 wherein the elongated member has a circular cross-section.
4. A device as in Claim 3 wherein the aperture is an ellipse.
5. A device as in Claim 4 wherein the aperture has a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member.
6. A device as in Claim 5 wherein the aperture has a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
Page 15 of 19
Page 15 of 19
7. A device for securing equipment to an elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object and a free end defining a radial passage and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member, comprising:
(a) means for fastening the device to the equipment, and (b) a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage both the elongated member and the shackle of the lock.
(a) means for fastening the device to the equipment, and (b) a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage both the elongated member and the shackle of the lock.
8. A device as in Claim 7 wherein the oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment is 45 degrees.
9. A devices as in Claim 7 wherein the elongated member has a circular cross-section.
10. A device as in Claim 9 wherein the aperture is an ellipse.
11. A device as in Claim 10 wherein the aperture has a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member.
12. A device as in Claim 11 wherein the aperture has a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
13. A device for securing equipment against theft, comprising:
(a) means for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object, (b) an elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring the device to the equipment and a free end defining a radial passage, 16 of 19 (c) a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, and (d) a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member.
(a) means for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object, (b) an elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring the device to the equipment and a free end defining a radial passage, 16 of 19 (c) a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, and (d) a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member.
14. A device as in Claim 13 wherein the oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment is 45 degrees.
15. A devices as in Claim 13 wherein the elongated member has a circular cross-section.
16. A device as in Claim 15 wherein the aperture is an ellipse.
17. A device as in Claim 16 wherein the aperture has a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member.
18. A device as in Claim 17 wherein the aperture has a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
19. A device for securing equipment to an elongated member having a fixed end for fastening to the device and a free end defining a radial passage and a lock having a shackle adapted to pass through the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member, comprising:
(a) means for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object, and (b) a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being Page 17 of 19 adapted to receive and slideably engage both the elongated member and the shackle of the lock.
(a) means for anchoring the device to a cumbersome object, and (b) a coupler attached to the fastening means, the coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being Page 17 of 19 adapted to receive and slideably engage both the elongated member and the shackle of the lock.
20. A device as in Claim 19 wherein the oblique angle formed between the aperture normal and the adjacent surface of the equipment is 45 degrees.
21. A devices as in Claim 19 wherein the elongated member has a circular cross-section.
22. A device as in Claim 21 wherein the aperture is an ellipse.
23. A device as in Claim 22 wherein the aperture has a minor axis substantially equal to the cross-section of the elongated member.
24. A device as in Claim 23 wherein the aperture has a major axis substantially equal to the thickness of the aperture plus the square root of two multiplied by the thickness of the aperture.
25. A method for securing equipment against theft, comprising:
(a) anchoring an elongated member to a cumbersome object, the elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring and a free end defining a radial passage, (b) coupling to the elongated member a coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, (c) fastening the coupler to the equipment, and (d) locking a shackle through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member.
(a) anchoring an elongated member to a cumbersome object, the elongated member having a fixed end for anchoring and a free end defining a radial passage, (b) coupling to the elongated member a coupler defining an aperture, the aperture having a normal that is oblique to an adjacent surface of the equipment, having at least one radius that is large with respect to the cross-section of the elongated member, and being adapted to receive and slideably engage the elongated member, (c) fastening the coupler to the equipment, and (d) locking a shackle through both the radial passage in the free end of the elongated member and the aperture in the coupler so as to retain the coupler on the elongated member.
26. A method as in Claim 25 wherein a cable associated with a second piece of equipment is passed through the shackle prior to locking.
Page 18 of 19
Page 18 of 19
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002164493A CA2164493A1 (en) | 1995-12-05 | 1995-12-05 | Device for securing equipment against theft |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002164493A CA2164493A1 (en) | 1995-12-05 | 1995-12-05 | Device for securing equipment against theft |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2164493A1 true CA2164493A1 (en) | 1997-06-06 |
Family
ID=4157107
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002164493A Abandoned CA2164493A1 (en) | 1995-12-05 | 1995-12-05 | Device for securing equipment against theft |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2164493A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-12-05 CA CA002164493A patent/CA2164493A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |